Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi — literally "Father of the Gazelle" — is the capital and the largest of the seven emirates by area (67,340 km², which is 87% of the total UAE area). While Dubai focuses on tourism and trade, Abu Dhabi sits on the largest oil reserves in the UAE and is one of the richest cities in the world.

Abu Dhabi uses this wealth with a long-term vision that thinks beyond oil: The Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim (under construction), the Zayed National Museum, and Masdar City (eco-city) are building blocks of a cultural transformation that is unparalleled.

For visitors, Abu Dhabi offers an exciting mix: the spiritual majesty of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the world art of the Louvre, the adrenaline rush of Yas Island, and the relaxed elegance of the Corniche. Additionally, Abu Dhabi is significantly less hectic than Dubai — things are more refined and quieter here.

Getting there from Dubai: 1.5 hours by car/bus (E11 highway), 25 AED (6 EUR) by RTA bus. A day trip is doable, but 2 nights are ideal to enjoy the city at a relaxed pace.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not only the largest mosque in the UAE and the third largest in the world — it is one of the most impressive buildings of the 21st century, a place that leaves even seasoned travelers speechless.

Named after the founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1918–2004), the mosque was opened in 2007 after 12 years of construction. The numbers are breathtaking:

• 82 domes made of white marble, the largest with a diameter of 32.8 m
• 1,096 columns, each inlaid with amethysts, jasper, and mother-of-pearl
• 7 chandeliers made of Swarovski crystals and 24-carat gold, the largest 10 m high and weighing 12 tons
• The largest hand-knotted carpet in the world (5,627 m², 47 tons, 1,200 Iranian weavers worked on it for 2 years)
• Space for 40,000 worshippers

The white Macedonia marble that covers the entire mosque comes from the same quarries used for the Taj Mahal. In sunlight, the mosque shines dazzlingly white; at dusk, the lighting changes colors according to the lunar calendar — an unforgettable sight.

Open to non-Muslims — and free! Guided tours are offered (also free). The mosque is one of the few places in the UAE where visitors are actively invited to learn about Islam.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first universal museum in the Arab world — and worth a visit for its architecture alone. The French star architect Jean Nouvel designed a flat, waterfront building crowned by a spectacular 180-meter-wide dome. The dome consists of 7,850 metal stars in eight overlapping layers, creating a "rain of light" effect — sunbeams penetrate the gaps, creating an ever-changing pattern on the ground. It's like standing under a palm leaf roof in an oasis.

The collection includes over 600 works from early history to the present — arranged chronologically rather than by culture. Thus, an Egyptian sphinx stands next to a Greek statue and a Chinese Buddha, making universal connections visible. Highlights: a painting by Leonardo da Vinci (Salvator Mundi — private loan), works by Monet, Van Gogh, Magritte, Ai Weiwei, ancient writings from Mesopotamia.

Plan at least 2–3 hours, more if you are art-affine. The restaurant and café with a sea view invite you to linger. The architecture alone — also from the outside, from the water — is spectacular.

Yas Island is Abu Dhabi's entertainment island — a 25 km² amusement paradise that mainly attracts families, motorsport, and theme park fans.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

The largest indoor theme park in the world under an iconic red Ferrari-shaped roof. 37 rides and attractions, including the Formula Rossa — the fastest roller coaster in the world, accelerating from 0 to 240 km/h in 4.9 seconds. An experience even for non-motorsport fans: simulators, go-karts, a miniature Italy ride, and a "Flying Aces" coaster with the world's highest loop (52 m). From 310 AED (77 EUR).

Yas Waterworld

One of the best water parks in the Middle East with over 40 slides and attractions — including the world's first hydro-magnetic tornado water slide. The Dawwama (funnel slide) is not for the faint-hearted. Perfect for hot days. From 280 AED (70 EUR).

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Indoor theme park with six themed worlds: Batman, Superman, The Flintstones, Scooby-Doo, Tom & Jerry, and more. Excellent especially for families with children under 12. The sets and details are Hollywood quality. From 315 AED (79 EUR).

Yas Marina Circuit

The Formula 1 racetrack of Abu Dhabi, where the Formula 1 season finale has been held since 2009. The famous Yas Hotel (W Abu Dhabi) spans the track like a bridge. Outside the racing season: Drive yourself! Drag Racing Experience (from 100 AED/25 EUR), Track Day in your own car, or drive an Aston Martin GT4 (from 1,500 AED/375 EUR).

Yas Mall & Yas Beach

Yas Mall is Abu Dhabi's largest shopping center with over 400 shops. Yas Beach is a beautiful public beach with a beach club atmosphere (entry from 50 AED/12.50 EUR on weekdays, 100 AED/25 EUR on weekends, incl. sun lounger and towel).

The Corniche is Abu Dhabi's magnificent promenade — an 8 km long, palm-lined boulevard along the coast that forms the backbone of the city. Here locals jog, cycle, and stroll; here parks, playgrounds, cafés, and beaches line up.

The Corniche Beach (free entry for the public area, 10 AED/2.50 EUR for the guarded "Gate Beach" with loungers and showers) stretches over 2 km and is Blue Flag certified — crystal clear water, fine white sand, lifeguards. Much quieter than the Dubai beaches.

At the western end of the Corniche lies the Heritage Village — a reconstructed Bedouin village with traditional tents, a handicraft workshop, and a small museum. Free and charming. Here you get an impression of what life in Abu Dhabi was like before oil.

Along the Corniche stand some of Abu Dhabi's most famous buildings: the Etihad Towers (the slanted tower has an infinity pool on the roof with panoramic views — Observation Deck at 300: 95 AED/24 EUR), the Emirates Palace Hotel (one of the most expensive hotels in the world, lobby visit free) and the Nation Towers.

Saadiyat Island (Arabic for "Island of Happiness") is Abu Dhabi's most ambitious project: a natural island being transformed into the cultural center of the Arab world. In addition to the already opened Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (Frank Gehry, planned opening 2026–2027), the Zayed National Museum (Foster + Partners), and a Performing Arts Centre (Zaha Hadid) are being built here.

Saadiyat Beach

The most beautiful beach in Abu Dhabi — 9 km of unspoiled white sand, which ranks among the most beautiful in the entire Gulf. The water is turquoise and shallow, ideal for families. The public area is free; the Saadiyat Beach Club offers loungers, pools, and dining (from 75 AED/19 EUR on weekdays). Turtles nest here seasonally — a conservation program takes care of the Hawksbill turtles.

Mangrove National Park

On the eastern edge of Saadiyat lies the Jubail Mangrove Park — a protected mangrove ecosystem with elevated wooden walkways (free, advance reservation needed via the Jubail Park app). Flamingos, herons, crabs, and the quiet beauty of the mangroves — a surprising natural experience in the middle of the city. For the active: Kayak tours through the mangroves (from 100 AED/25 EUR, 2 hours).

One of the most surprising activities in Abu Dhabi: Kayaking through the mangroves at Eastern Mangroves National Park. Just 15 minutes from the city center, you paddle through a quiet labyrinth of mangrove waterways, surrounded by herons, flamingos, and fish gliding through the clear water.

Several providers offer guided tours:

• Anantara Eastern Mangroves Kayak: 2-hour tour from 100 AED (25 EUR) per person. Start directly at the Anantara Hotel, no experience needed.
• Sea Hawk Water Sports: Single and double kayaks, also stand-up paddling. From 80 AED (20 EUR) for 1 hour.
• Noukhada Adventure Company: Specializes in nature tours. Offers sunrise and full moon kayak tours — particularly magical.

The best time is the early morning (before 9 AM) or the late afternoon (from 4 PM), when the heat is more bearable and the wildlife is most active. In the high season (November–March) be sure to reserve in advance.